MSc Zoo Conservation Biology

Are you passionate about animal welfare and keen to shape the management of the zoos of the future? Students from over 20 nationalities have chosen our unique programme, the first of its kind in the world. Study factors affecting animal behaviour, conservation, welfare and their interactions, as well as international zoo management and collaboration. Our partnership with Paignton Zoo gives you regular access to their connections, research and expertise – so you’re primed to make a difference.

Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time

Location

Plymouth

Key features

Develop your scientific knowledge, professional and technical skills as a conservation biologist. Learn how to manage animal collections for the purpose of education, conservation and wildlife research.

Study aspects of animal behaviour and ecology, as well as how welfare, housing, nutrition and health all have a part to play in species management.

Learn to troubleshoot problems at the level of a social group within a particular zoological collection, right up to the level of a species globally. Explore how breeding programmes for endangered species are international in scope.

Benefit from the knowledge and guidance of Plymouth University’s expert staff with specialisms including the behaviour of captive animals, animal nutrition, the welfare of captive birds and the application of population genetics to captive and natural fish populations.

Find out how the science of zoos is used to inform government policy. Two of our teaching team are the only academic representatives on the government’s Zoos Expert Committee.

Get behind-the-scenes insight with a day of study each week with our partners at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. Deepen your understanding of the business and conservation work of zoos, and how networks and collaborations work between them.

Access the latest research and information from the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, including information on their co-ordinated breeding programmes for endangered species.

Be inspired by opportunities to visit a range of zoos in the region – including Dartmoor, Bristol and Newquay – and to travel abroad for research projects. A recent student travelled to Louisiana Zoo for her research project on golden tamarin monkeys.

Graduates work in zoos as educators, researchers, managers and keepers. Many go on to PhD study or work in further education. Other employers include the European Association for Zoos and Aquaria; the Natural History Unit (BBC); national and international conservation organisations.

Course details

Programme overview

As a full-time student, you’ll study seven modules taking in everything from genetics to environmental enrichment, preventative health to budgeting. We update modules to reflect current thinking and you can specialise within them. If you’re interested in working with tigers, for example, this can be reflected across your work. You’ll be assessed through coursework with practical tasks focused on your future career. Core modules include introduction to zoo organisation, animal conservation, applied animal behaviour and management, animal metabolism and nutrition, animal health and welfare and business management.
You’ll then do a final three-month research project of your choice. Previous investigations have included everything from female mate choice in white faced saki monkeys to how peripheral and/or invasive activity affects the behaviour and enclosure use of captive sand tiger sharks.

Core modules

ANIM5005 Zoo Animal Behaviour and Welfare

This module explores fundamental principles of evolution and behavioural function as well
how these processes underpin the concepts of animal welfare and well-being. Understand
the critical application of animal behaviour to the captive environment and environmental
impacts upon behaviour, physiology and positive and negative welfare.

ANIM5006 Contemporary Zoo Management

The contexts within which modern zoos function are introduced. These include but are not
exclusive to: the history of zoos; the aims and ideals of contemporary zoos; national and
international zoo networks and advocacy concerning zoos. Likewise the principles of
business management are introduced in the context of public, private and voluntary sector
conservation and environmental organisations.

ANIM5007 Small Population Conservation

The principles and problems of managing small populations of animals are explored both in
situ and ex situ. The methods by which species can be conserved are explored and
critiqued. In particular this module addresses obstacles and considerations for captive wild
animal population management for conservation using a range of perspectives including
reproductive, genetic, behavioural and practical considerations.

ANIM5008 Conservation Ecology and Society

The principles and applications of conservation science are introduced and examined with
respect to the role of zoos and conservation organisations. An interdisciplinary
conservation framework is presented to incorporate different perspectives including
ecology, human behaviour and project management.

ANIM5009 Zoo Animal Health, Nutrition and Management

This module addresses the fundamentals of metabolism, nutrition and disease. These are
contextualised in a range of captive wild species. Particular focus will be placed on
exemplars of taxa/species specific conditions and understanding how environments and
diets may be managed to minimise risks to health.

BIO505 Research Project

Aspects of animal management will be studied encompassing the relationships between ethological concepts and techniques, learning, training, and enrichment.

BIO5131 Postgraduate Research Skills & Methods

The module provides the research- and communication-related skills that biology postgraduates require to carry out an original research project at the forefront of their academic discipline. Emphasis is given to the philosophy, design, ethics and management of research, effective communication to a range of audiences, and advice on career management and presentation skills involved in job applications and interviews.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. The level of proficiency that is required can vary with the type of programme for which you are applying. For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.

The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5.

Fees, costs and funding

New Student

2017

2018

Home/EU

£7,500

To be confirmed

International

£14,250

To be confirmed

Part time (Home/EU)

£400

To be confirmed

Part time (International)

Check with School

To be confirmed

Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.

How to apply

Applying for
postgraduate taught study

The University aims to make the application procedure as simple
and efficient as possible. Our Postgraduate Admissions and Enquiries team are
on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if
you wish to discuss any programme in detail. If you have a disability and would
like further information about the support provided by Plymouth University,
please visit our Disability
Services website. Support is also available to
overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

If you
would like any further information please contact the Postgraduate and Enquiries
team:

Applying for
postgraduate research study

The University aims to make the application procedure as simple
and efficient as possible. The Doctoral College is available to answer any
queries on our postgraduate research degrees. If you have a
disability and would like further information about the support provided by
Plymouth University, please visit our Disability
Services website. Support is also available to
overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

If you
would like any further information please contact the Doctoral College:

Applying for postgraduate study

The University aims to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Information team are on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. The Doctoral College is also available to answer any queries on our postgraduate research degrees.

Submitting an application

If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by Plymouth University, please visit our Disability Assist Services website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office.

If you would like to speak to one of our course information advisors, please contact us:

Help & enquiries

Meet our staff

With field experience from Kenya to Mexico, our team brings together the academic expertise of lecturers and researchers, with the insight of key members of the research team from the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Two of the teaching staff on our programme are the only academic representatives on the government’s Zoo Expert Committee.

Lecturer in Conservation Biology

Honorary Lecturer in Zoo Conservation Biology

Visiting Research Fellow

Honorary Lecturer on MSc in Zoo Conservation Biology

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Our partnership with Paignton Zoo Environmental Park means you’ll benefit from an exciting blend of classroom-based and real-life activities as you progress through your programme – as well as links to international conservation research and initiatives.

Careers with zoo conservation biology

Our programme equips you with the skills needed to build a successful career in wildlife conservation. The unique blend of zoo-based learning and academic teaching delivers the vital knowledge and understanding needed to thrive in this competitive arena.